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Wordpress. Squarespace. Shopify.
Huh? What? Why?
Web platforms are overwhelming. There are so many choices but which is the right one for you?
In this episode, we're digging into the subject of web platforms.
Cassie + Shay are BFFs + co-founders of The Bucketlist Bombshells
In late 2013, the two bonded over ditching their 9-5’s and buying one-way tickets to Mexico, in pursuit of an alternative lifestyle. Before teaming up to create The Bucketlist Bombshells, the two created their own online businesses that gave them the freedom to work online and travel the world.
And now, the two are obsessed with empowering and teaching other millennial women on how to do the same thing — build a successful online service-based business that gives them the freedom to travel the world and live creatively!
Cassie: Well…we call ourselves “The Dream Team” so I think that says it all ;) ha! But honestly, I feel so blessed to have Shay as my partner in crime and business bestie. We have very different strengths when it comes to running our business but at our core, we have the same vision and mission for Bucketlist Bombshells. I think that’s what makes our collaboration so strong. She’ll sit down during our morning meeting and say, “OMG, I’m seriously so excited to share our 3-year financial plan with you!” As the creative left-brained side, I seriously LOVE that she’s so passionate about aspects of our business that sometimes make my head spin!
Shay: We live, work AND travel together. As Co-Founders, we are collaborating almost every second of every day in a sense. But to get to the nitty gritty of our collaboration method... each morning we have a meeting to discuss what the day, week and month looks like. We feed off each other's ideas and bring the very best ones to life through our business. We are extremely detailed and think through every aspect of everything we execute inside our business so our morning meetings can range from an hour to a whole day and I just love that I have someone I can refine these awesome ideas with. I wake up so excited to meet and discuss how we can grow The Bucketlist Bombshells and nurture our current communities.
Cassie: Super early on in our newbie freelancing days, we clung to each other for advice and support since we literally had no idea what we were doing. That, and we were basically the only 20-something’s we knew who had booked one-way tickets after graduation and we’re now living in Playa del Carmen, Mexico! When we met in that little coffee shop in Mexico, it was literally meant to be.
About a year later when we had the idea for Bucketlist Bombshells, it only made sense that we started the business as a duo. We wanted to teach other millennial women how to build an online service-based business and travel the world without having to make all of the rookie mistakes that we had to make! We wanted girls to have a community to turn to for support, advice, and questions during their journey…something we desperately wanted when we first started out. There’s no way Bucketlist Bombshells would be what it is today without us coming together as a team.
Shay: As cliche as it sounds two heads are better than one. We both have strengths in different but complementary areas and this is why we work so well together. Being a solopreneur is great, but getting to work with someone else is much more my style. Being able to collaborate on ideas and execute them with a partner is much more enjoyable but more than that I think the ideas we do execute are much stronger than if we were working on our own. We have the ability to look at a project from so many different angles, talk it out and decide how it will grow our business. As one person sometimes you can get caught up in whether or not you should execute or maybe you miss something and then you're half way through executing and realize it won't work. With another set of eyes and a second brain that thinks differently than you do it's rare that we execute something that isn't successful or beneficial to our business. PLUS it's absolutely WAY more fun to be able to run a lifestyle business with my best friend, I feel like it doesn't get any better than that, it's simply F U N!
Cassie: It might sound silly but because we do literally everything together (roomies, besties, business partners), we had to learn that we aren’t actually the same person! Which means, we have different work styles, different ways of handling criticism, challenges, overwhelm and even different ways of winding down after a long day. I think once we recognized that, it made so many things in our friendship and business run more smoothly because we’re not trying to unnaturally force ourselves to always act like the other person!
Shay: We collaborate on almost every single aspect of our business and since we are so detailed we can spend more time than we probably need to on one project since there are two of us possibly we could delegate more separate assignments to each other. I think this is an area we are working on and will only improve as our business grows.
Cassie: Ohhh this is a good one! I’m surprised and not surprised all at the same time at just how easy our partnership is! Everyone is always shocked that we live together, travel together and run a business together…they seriously look at us with wide eyes like, “HOW?!” And honestly, it all just flows quite naturally and we tend to be on the same page ALOT of the times!
Shay: How easy and conflict-free it is. I was surprised by this not because I was expecting it to be hard to work with Cassie, but because so many people had told me that it was a bad decision to go into business with your best friend. I know the statistics on friendship business partnerships isn't good, but that's just not the case with us. Running the business is hard work, but building it with Cassie isn't. Since we traveled together and live together we know each other so well, we know why one of us approaches a situation differently or has a different way of thinking because we know each other. In that regard, it's easy and conflict-free because we understand each other and are supportive of each other.
Cassie: YASSS I’m so prepared for this question and anyone who knows me will most definitely already know my answer: Joanna and Chip Gaines from HGTV’s show Fixer Upper. They are literal #relationshipgoals! From running a successful business together, to having adorable kids, being totally fun and genuine and despite their fame, staying true to their beliefs…they are without a doubt my fave dynamic duo!
Shay: Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, because they are crazy hilarious (like Cassie and I), they are strong, independent female role models (which we strive to be), and they are both extremely hard working females that have seen huge success in their fields (which is how I view Cassie and I). Also, I don't know them, but I feel like they would be there for each other for the hard times too in both their personal and professional lives no matter what nothing could tear them apart. To me they are the perfect picture of true BFFs.
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The internet is magic. Here’s a little list of things I've loved from around the internet world lately — friends doing great things, smart things from smart folks, and things that just made me smile.
01 — A non-writer's guide to owning writing.
02 — How does this make you feel?
03 — I try to ask when I’m reading: Will I care about this a year from now? Ten years from now? Eighty years from now? I'll admit, this is a slightly ironic link to a linked post.
04 — Wes Anderson in real life? Yes, please. Fun fact — my favorite film ever is Grand Budapest Hotel.
05 — Ladies, Wine & Design is one of my very favorite meetups that I've been to in Nashville. And yet every month, I get introvert cold feed right before. But then I read this and I go.
06 — Three of my very favorite ladies who are boss: Jen Gotch, Ellen Bennett, Jeni Britton.
So you've decided that you're ready to hire a designer. You've done your research and have a short list of folks that you want to chat with to see if they're the right fit.
But what questions do you ask them?
There's not really a right or wrong way to get things done. However, if a designer can't give you a clear picture of what things are going to look like throughout the project that's a little scary.
The way that a designer works is a good indicator of their organization, experience, and ability to get things done.
First off — we want people to work with us because of who we are and what we stand by, not because of that one logo we once designed. A potential client's story, style, and vision are not the same as our past clients’ and our past work does not define our future potential. We could share 100 projects and they wouldn't see exactly what you're looking for because it's not exactly what they need.
That being said, it's still important for them to see our work and know what we're capable of.
When you ask for the designer to send three or so projects your way, you're probably going to be sent their very favorite projects that they've worked on. If you get good vibes, there is a good chance that this designer is probably a good fit for you. If you get bad vibes then now's the time to turn around and walk away.
Every designer offers different services. Some only build brands, some only build websites, some only do big projects, and some only do big projects.
At 407, our goal is to build long-term relationships with our dreamy clients + support them through their whole business journey. We'll always be around for ongoing support — from hourly design + maintenance to one-off coaching.
If it's important to you that you can come back for more services down the road, make sure to ask the designer if they offer that.
There are going to be questions that are unique to you and your business. Before you chat with a designer, take the time to think through these things and make note of them.
For example, if you're only in the office on Monday, Wednesday and Friday then you should ask the designer if that will work for their process.
As much as you're trying to feel out if the designer is a good fit for you, the designer should be trying to figure out if you're a good fit for them.
If they don't take the time to get to know you, your brand, and your business as you start chatting about working together, it's a warning sign.
In this episode, Lindsay and I are chatting about when it's time to hire a pro to handle your brand.
When's the right time? When's the wrong time?
Watch to find out our professional opinion.
When I moved to Nashville two years ago, I quickly looked to replace all of my old St. Louis favorites. A new go-to for coffee, a new weekly dinner spot and a new place to escape.
And behind a bold pink door in the Germantown neighborhood, Poppy & Monroe filled the void of the last one.
Owners Sherri Coates and Karen Kops wanted to create a welcoming destination that combined their love of beauty with their commitment to health and well-being. And they've done just that.
The clean beauty collective specializes in nails, skincare, makeup and sugaring services. Poppy & Monroe also offers a full boutique stocked with the best green beauty products on the market as well as jewelry, handbags, gifts and more.
We're thrilled to welcome Sherri + Karen to our Dynamic Duo series, sharing the story of their partnership at Poppy & Monroe.
Karen: We are in the shop together every day and we are constantly communicating via text and email when we aren't. We are trying to get better about making regularly scheduled strategy meetings off-site so we can work without interruptions. Our goal is at least every other week.. still working on this one!
Sherri: We're so fortunate in that we definitely draw on one another's strengths and make up for what we may be missing. We've defined our roles at this point, execute as best as possible so operationally, we run as smoothly as we can, while keeping our collective focus steady on the big visions we have for the future and we have lots!!
Karen: Power in numbers. Understandably from an investment standpoint but also from a support standpoint as well. It's so helpful to have someone to bounce your ideas and thoughts off of that's as invested in the work as you are. Also by splitting up the task list, we can get more done faster, although there's always MORE to do! :)
Sherri: We met at just the ideal time when we were both looking to change our work and life balance. We made it to the top of our games so to speak but we were just running the rat race at such a pace that we weren't enjoying life, our families, friends and all those important priorities especially our health and well being. It's been great for us being new partners and friends because we didn't come in with any preconceived ideas and so we've been on a great adventure not only running the business together but learning about one another. I couldn't have asked for a better partner whom I trust completely and I know has my back!
Karen: Understanding our communication styles. Sherri is very direct whereas I'm a bit softer in my approach. I'm also one to overanalyze where Sherri's able to make quicker decisions. I think there are positives and negatives to all of these traits and I've learned a lot from her.
Sherri: We have such different personalities and approaches so we had to really learn to be open to our differing outlooks and opinions. We also had to learn how to communicate with one another, as we've never worked together before or knew each other socially. We're both so flexible and put in the hours equally so we tend to come to good decisions together having so much respect for the other.
Karen: That we both have the same passion for what we are doing. I realize that's incredibly difficult to find especially when you haven't known one another very long.
Sherri: How different we are but the same too. We knew aesthetically, even down to the design of our space, we were in agreement (which was great and made things so much easier!) on so many things but it's the little things in the daily running of the business that surprises us each day. How we deal with customer service, employee issues, competition all while trying to grow our business challenges us daily, but for the better we feel.
Karen: Thelma & Louise - we are total opposites in many ways yet we are always there to support and build each other up. There's no one else I'd rather go on this crazy ride with!
Serri: Well everyone knows how much I love Justin Timberlake so I would say he and his wife Jessica. They just moved here in Leipers Fork and I'm dying to meet them! I just think they seem like they have such a fun time together while being so sweet and supportive of one another. They seem to have that great blend of being each others BFF and all else. It's inspiring plus they both still pursue their individual endeavors which says a lot for two strong creative types.
The internet is magic. Here’s a little list of things I've loved from around the internet world lately — friends doing great things, smart things from smart folks, and things that just made me smile.
01 — Freeing your identity from the limits of validation.
02 — Best "business" blog post that I've read recently.
03 — I'm a big fan of most any interview series.
04 — How many things on this list do you need to give up? I've got a few.
05 — I'm a big people pleaser, both personally + professionally. I'm going to work on adding this phrase into my vocabulary a little more.
06 — I would like all the posters, please.
Say hello to Flow Spin, a cycling studio located outside of St. Louis, MO. FLOW exists to create a healthy escape from the daily grind of life through the support of like-minded women.
We worked with Christal + Bree, the co-owners, to create a brand for the new studio, along with a website and print assets.
Before we ever get to designing a brand, we focus on the foundations of a business. Who are you? Who do you serve? What problem do you solve for them?
Christal + Bree were already the owners of Iron Orchid when the opportunity for them to get a sister space opened up.
When we first began chatting, we had to decide who Flow was going to be in comparison to the sister studio, Iron Orchid. Did Iron Orchid even have a sibling, was it a twin, or a new brand with their own personality?
After talking through the long-term goals of both Flow and Iron Orchid, we all knew that Flow needed a brand of its own. While there is overlap, the clients for the two are different.
We worked to create a brand with roots from Iron Orchid, but a personality all its own.
Flow is speaking to women who have two big goals — to feel good and to have fun. But, they also don’t mind getting a little sweaty in the process. She’s chosen cycling because she wants to be surround by others who motivate her to push further. She doesn’t really enjoy working out alone and loves the accountability of a group.
Visually, our goal was to create a brand that was friendly, fun, bold and empowering
To bring these vibes to life, we started with a handwritten logo. We knew that we wanted to show some sort of movement here, and decided that a feee-flowing script was the perfect way to do that while keeping a friendly + fun feel.
The Flow woman is living a pretty busy life and looking for a feel good escape when she cycles. We wanted to create a brand that didn't add any more chaos to life. Brand assets — like the website are bold but simple + clean with a no fuss attitue.
What do you think?
*This post was written on 2.21.17. Websites are constantly evolving and may look different now than when originally launched.
Never hesitate to reach out, whether you want to work with us, have questions or just want to say hi. Our inbox is always open at knockknock@fourohseven.com or get a jump start and fill out our Getting Started Form.
